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Spicara maena, commonly known as the Mendole or Blotched Picarel, is a small to medium-sized marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae (sea breams and porgies), though it is often classified under the Centracanthidae family by some authorities due to its protractile mouth. It is characterized by its elongated, compressed body and a distinctive dark blotch on its flank. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly during the breeding season, with males developing more intense coloration. Mendoles are schooling fish, typically found over sandy or muddy bottoms, as well as seagrass beds, in coastal waters.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Overall silvery-grey to brownish-grey, often with iridescent reflections. Males, especially during breeding, can display more vibrant blue, yellow, and orange hues. A prominent, often rectangular or blotchy, dark spot is typically present on the lateral line, below the anterior part of the dorsal fin. Fins are generally translucent or slightly yellowish.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Highly protractile mouth, forming a tube when extended., Distinctive dark blotch on the flank, usually below the dorsal fin., Elongated, compressed body., Large eyes relative to head size.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin with 10-11 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Pinna caudale
- Forked caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Long and pointed pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin with 3 spines and 9-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for an elongated, compressed body with a silvery-grey to brownish-grey base color. The presence of a distinct dark, often rectangular or blotchy, spot on the lateral line below the dorsal fin is a key identifier.
Mouth
Observe the highly protractile mouth, which can be extended forward to form a tube, a characteristic feature of the Centracanthidae family.
Fin Count
Count the dorsal fin spines (10-11) and soft rays (10-12), and anal fin spines (3) and soft rays (9-10) for confirmation, though this requires close examination.
Sexual Dimorphism
During breeding season, males exhibit more intense coloration, particularly blue, yellow, and orange hues, which can aid in identification of mature individuals.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters, though occasionally encountered shallower or deeper (up to 200 meters).
- Ambiente
- Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica meadows), and rocky areas with sediment patches. Often found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal to Mauritania, including the Canary Islands and Madeira. Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: advanced
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 200 gallons
- Temperatura: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized temperate marine fish. Avoid aggressive species or those that might outcompete it for food.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established temperate marine aquarium with excellent filtration and stable water parameters. A sand or fine gravel substrate is preferred, along with ample open swimming space and some rockwork for shelter. Live food or high-quality frozen marine foods are essential for their diet. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to specific temperature and size requirements.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: More abundant and frequently caught during warmer months, typically spring through autumn, when they are more active and closer to shore.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, depending on region and season.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, delicate flavor.
- Consistenza: Soft, flaky white flesh.
- Metodi di cottura: Fried, Grilled, Baked, Stewed
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, low in fat.
Fatti chiave
Protogynous Hermaphroditebehavior
Spicara maena is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals are born female and later transition to male. This sex change typically occurs at a length of around 12-15 cm.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Mendoles are highly social fish, forming large schools, especially during feeding and breeding periods. This schooling behavior provides protection against predators.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
While primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, Mendoles are also known to consume some algal matter, demonstrating a degree of dietary flexibility.
Nesting Behaviorbehavior
During the breeding season, male Mendoles construct nests in sandy or muddy substrates, which they guard aggressively after females lay their eggs.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The dorsal and anal fin spines are sharp but not venomous.
Specie simili
Common Picarel
Spicara smaris
Spicara smaris typically has a more slender body and a series of vertical dark bars or blotches along its flanks, rather than a single prominent dark spot. Its mouth is also highly protractile, but the overall body pattern is distinct.
Bogues
Boops boops
Boops boops has a more fusiform (spindle-shaped) body, larger eyes, and lacks the prominent dark blotch on the flank. It also has a less protractile mouth compared to Spicara species.
Annular Sea Bream
Diplodus annularis
Diplodus annularis has a more oval, deeper body shape and a distinct black ring (annulus) around the caudal peduncle. Its mouth is not as protractile as Spicara maena.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Spariformes
- Famiglia
- Sparidae
- Genere
- Spicara
- Specie
- Spicara maena
Esplora Mendole
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